Braidwood Library
Braidwood Library
Braidwood has always been a book town. The literary activities of its residents are catalogued in the Braidwood Library, where shelving is given over to the work of poets, historians, novelists and non-fiction writers in the area. But it’s the library itself that stands as the most enduring testament to early residents’ pursuit of literacy, news, and culture.
Founded in 1858, the library began as a subscription library, with eight founding members paying a guinea a year in fees. Books were donated from private libraries, as well as purchased by mail order, both in Australia and from London. Popular magazines and newspapers rounded out the library’s contents.
After a dedicated building was completed in 1869, with funds coming from a bank loan, government grant, and fundraising raffle (with prizes including a buggy, buggy harness, sewing machine, and gold watch), the library became known as the Braidwood Literary Society and Reading Room (with a hall used for occasional roller-skating). When extra rooms were built on, they became occupied by the municipal council, from which QPRC still operates.
By 1907, the library contained 7000 books; admitted female members (though they could only borrow one book at a time); employed a female librarian; hosted debates, chess games, and choral classes; and held a Lipp grand piano, to be played ‘only by competent musicians’. Billiard tables and silent movies soon followed, and from 1914–18 the institute’s hall was given over – for free – to patriotic endeavours.
The public library was housed one of the front rooms of the Council Building for many years, before moving in 1989 to a new dedicated building, currently known as the ‘Old Library’ or The Glasshouse, in Park Lane. Finally, in 2006, a new wing was adjoined to the original Literary Institute, accessible both from the original doors and via a ramp, with modern and accessible bathroom facilities. This wing initially housed both the Library and a separate Tech Hub, with the public computers later moved inside the Library, allowing space for a dedicated children’s reading room.
Though forced to close its doors during the pandemic, the service still found a way to meet community needs, with intrepid librarians hand-delivering books around town plus a ‘click-and-collect’ service at the Library itself.
For Library Assistant Kirsten Hulse, the library’s information-based activities and connections with the local public are a large part of its draw.
“I have really fond memories of visiting my local city library as a child” says Kirsten. “It’s wonderful to help continue that tradition, connecting people with books or other collection items and delivering experiences like Storytime, school holiday crafts, movie afternoons and other programs which hopefully inspire children to love books and to see the Library as a place of magic and fun.”
“Although, these days a Library is a lot more than just books”, she continues. “It’s a meeting place, an information access point and a print shop too. For me, helping people find the knowledge, tools or connections they need is a really rewarding part of the job.”
What’s on at the library at the moment that you’re enjoying being part of?
On Wednesdays at 10am we run Storytime sessions for preschool-aged kids, which includes stories, songs and a craft activity. We base each session around a theme, for example Science Week or International Day of Penguins [laughs].
For school aged children, we also run a STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics] Club session once a month on a Wednesday afternoon. I have a background in engineering so I love showing the kids how exciting and useful science can be. We’ve made catapults, electrical circuits, slime, 3D drawings, looked at plants under a microscope and explored fossils and Earth’s entire geological history!
In the school holidays we run special craft, art and STEAM activities and movie afternoons. Another special project was a community collage workshop where we made the giant Hungry Caterpillar artwork which still decorates the kid’s room.
We hold events for adults too, hosting author talks and Tech Help presentations periodically. And we’ve recently started a Library Book Club, which meets once a month – It’s been a lot of fun meeting with other readers to discuss the book featured each month.
Apart from events, what other services does the library provide?
Visitors to the Library can use our online public computers and guest WIFI, which are free to use. We also have photocopying, printing, scanning and laminating facilities. If needed, we’re happy to help people to use the computers or to print out their materials from various devices. These services are available for everybody, even if they’re not a library card holder.
I know that a lot of people in town have identified the need for hotdesking areas as well. Is there a space that people can book?
We have a small meeting room at the back of the library, with a dining table and six chairs, which can be booked for meetings or used for Zoom sessions. We also have two cubicles where people can bring their own laptop to work from the library. And of course they could use one of our eight public computers for their work as well.
Can you talk and make phone calls in the Library?
Yes, that’s fine as long as it doesn’t disturb other library users. We don’t insist on silence in the library, in fact things can get quite loud on Storytime mornings - luckily we can close the door to the kid’s room! It’s fine to have a quiet chat… or the meeting room is an option if you need to make more noise. You can also bring in a coffee or snacks. We want people to feel at home in the library and for them to have everything they need to complete their task, whether it’s a meeting, work assignment or just finding a good book to read.
Learn more at https://library.qprc.nsw.gov.au/about-us/braidwood-library/braidwood-library
Phone: 4842 2091
Location: 144 Wallace St, Braidwood NSW 2622. Access via the Council building, or from Park Lane.
Words: Jessica Friedmann
Photos: Christopher Morris